Love of the Journalist
54. Talola 'i u Boheli

...54. Talola’i u Boheli...

Two months since Demas left Gorontalo, the first letter came.

Surabaya, September 2, 198x

For, Ka Bagas.

How's it going, Ka? My news is good. Sorry just gave you the news. Kaka's letter has been delivered. I met with Ms. Kaka directly. Also met with Ka Imam and Ka Ito. The family is nice and friendly.

Coming home from Kaka's house, I was given a lot of food. Kaka's mother was very kind.

For 1 year, I lived in a student dormitory. It is good to be able to get it too. My mom always sends money. Secretly without tiyamo's knowledge.

I've been busy lately, Ka. So now I have time to send a letter. I also wrote a letter to my mom. Please tell my mom. Tiyamo is still angry.

I'm happy to stay here. Have many friends.

Hopefully I can find a side job soon. Not always to bother my mom.

Oya, I entered the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. Department of Communication Science. Hopefully one day I can be the tongue connector of the weak and less fortunate.

Ask prayer.

Greetings, greetings,

Demas.

He smiled proudly at the first letter Demas sent.

“I'm sure doain you,” murmured.

The second letter came 3 months later.

Surabaya, December 20, 198x

For, Ka Bagas.

How's Ka doing? May you always be healthy. I am good and healthy.

This month I got a side job. So the computer rental operator as well as the wartel waiter. Working hours after college. Sif afternoon-night. Wages are good enough to eat a month. You can do the task for free. Hehe ....

Thank you for your prayer.

I can't wait to meet Ka Bagas next year. I must be waiting for Kaka in Surabaya.

Write a letter to mom.

Greetings, greetings,

Demas.

The second letter is shorter. And Demas' writing style has changed a little. Who used the word ‘saya’ to ‘aku’. It might be natural to fall from his environment now.

They promised to meet in the next year precisely during the Eid al-Adha holiday.

**

The first meeting after almost a year did not meet. The young man she helped made a lot of changes.

He looks more mature and handsome.

They hugged each other and missed.

“How are you doing?” Ask when they break down the hug. He patted Demas' arm.

“I'm good, Ka.” Demas landed his body on the porch seat. “How are you doing yourself?” Its effects.

He put his shoulders, “Yes this way .. you can see.” He said, then sat in the seat next to him, “but, I lost you who often play to the dorm.”

They chuckle.

“How is mama?” Ask Demas. All this time the young man had only dared to send a letter. Never called. He knew tiyamo would forbid mama to take calls if caught. Everyone was forbidden to pick up the phone from him.

“Last met Idrus' mother, she's healthy. Just look sad when you remember.”

Demas's face suddenly turned sad.

“You feel at home staying here?” He changed the topic so that Demas was cheerful again.

And sure enough, he looks excited again. “Sure ...” Reply sure.

They chat anything until it is not felt, Demas must go home immediately. Because he had to work sif night.

“Come tomorrow again, if you have time.” The message was on Demas.

Demas nodded. Then say goodbye to his parents.

But in fact, the busyness of Demas made the young man could not meet him. Demas reasoned a hectic schedule of lectures and practicums. Then in the afternoon until night he had to work guard the cartel as well as the computer rental shop.

Until he had to return to Gorontalo, then Demas came to him. That was just for a moment. Understand in the morning his schedule is packed with lectures.

Demas left a letter for his mother and a picture of him wearing an alma mater jacket with the Garuda Mukti symbol in dark blue. Looks handsome and proud.

**

For almost two years there was no word from Demas. He also never returned to Surabaya again. The last letter from Demas only reported that he did not live in the dorm. Except in a small shop.

The young man started a business in computer rental services, English translation and coffee photos. Working with 2 other friends. And as far as it is told, his efforts are growing rapidly.

He was proud too. It felt like the young man had a million courage and determination that deserved a thumbs up.

In the last letter, Demas also recounted. That he was active in campus activities and was elected as the chairman of BEM. The young man was getting busy.

And that was the last letter from Demas. No more news of him. Because he also had to move tasks to Makassar.

At his wedding in Surabaya. The young man came to spend some time on the sidelines of his internship.

“Congratulations Bagas, good luck until death separate...” So said. They shake hands long ago. Then not long ago Demas said goodbye because he had to return to the Japanese embassy.

It felt like that day was eager to ask him a thousand questions. At once take off the longing. But what power, it is bound to time. Demas is also unlikely to leave his duties at the embassy.

One week after marriage, he and his wife Anita Jaya returned to Makassar. He left his new address to Demas. But two years passed the young man had no news either.

Until one day the Imam told her that his friend named Demas Prasetyo came to the house to give an invitation to her wedding.

Little surprised. But he could finally smile. The young man was finally able to anchor his love to a Javanese girl. He had never heard of Demas being close to a girl. Or is it the young man who doesn't want to share his story? So, did Demas' parents know about this?

He deliberately asked permission to leave his superiors to return to Surabaya on the grounds there is family business. Taking his wife and 1-year-old son along with him.

It is not even suspected that he is believed Demas to be a witness at his wedding. He asked her to be the representative of the groom's side because none of the Demas' families had come.

A marriage that is blue. Because without the blessing of tiyamo, the marriage still runs smoothly and solemn even if simply. Even Demas was expelled from the house when he wanted to ask for the blessing of his parents at that time. Threatened not to get inheritance and other facilities. And removed from Kamaru clan.

He patted the shoulder of the man who had changed de jure status as the husband of Nani Prasetyo.

“Congratulations ..” He put smiles on both brides.  Then shook Demas' hand tightly. Patted him with his left hand several times.

“May sakinah, mawadah and warrahmah. Until death do us part,” heartfelt prayers go out to Demas and Nani.

Then the 2 friends hugged each other. He rubbed the young man's back. Giving strength that everything will continue to run smoothly and according to his wishes.

“Still, Ka. Best wishes for Ka Bagas and Ta Anita.” Reply Demas.

That was a meeting that he himself did not know when else would happen. Demas said he would continue his post-graduate studies in Japan. Got a scholarship there. And bring his wife.

Demas has been contracted to be a correspondent for a national media newspaper while in Japan. Business computer rental services, photo coffee and foreign language translation have also advanced rapidly. Even increase market share by opening PS cafes and rentals. Plus opening several branches on several campuses around Surabaya.

**

A few years have passed. He was reassigned to Java Island. Mandated to be the East Java Police.

Handling endless thorny cases in the easternmost regency of Java Island as the first challenge. The case was initially handled by the local police. In the end, it was delegated to Polda because it involved many parties and was classified as a severe case.

A gold and copper mining company called PT. 2-year-old Star Gold and Copper. Allegedly violating some of the rules include; determination of business licenses that violate the rules because the surrounding residents do not feel invited to discuss; threatening the 1500 heads of families living around the company to be riled up by being put into concessions for granted; then the damage caused by mining activities that damage the environment even residents complain that their water and land are contaminated with waste from these activities.

Tensions grew as hundreds of people marched in front of the company. There was a clash between the company and the people. Dozens of people were injured. And 1 victim died.

The conflict continues to this day. It's been almost 3 months. Meetings between companies and representatives of citizens and the government have not found common ground. It's even getting heated up.

The company was stripped naked in a national newspaper. Accurate data is included according to the media editor.

And he as a leader in the scope of the East Java Police is also responsible. Keep watch and make sure everything is under control.

“Report Commander. This afternoon at 4 o'clock, there is a meeting agenda with the Governor and the Police Chief at the Governor's Office.” Didit his adjutant.

He nodded. The adjutant came out of his study.

Then he leaned his back to the back. Eyes closed. The only case that made him dizzy. On the government side, Imam Luwi Jaya's brother who recently served as Governor must also be faced with this problem.

While his senior and best friend Tarman Fauzi who currently serves as Kapolri allegedly pressed by some interests.

Throbbing head. A few times he scratched his temple. He himself was visited several times by people who claimed to be the men of high government officials.

Not to mention the company representatives who always ask to meet with him. Under the pretext of wanting to solve the problem. But strangely they only wanted a closed-door meeting and without the other party.

He breathed heavily.

“Dit, get me a dizzy medicine!” Tell the adjutant through the office intercom.

Upholding the dizzy medicine may be one way to dampen his head that is almost broken. Then ordered Didit to refuse all guests who wanted to meet him until the afternoon. He wanted to rest his body for a moment.

**

“How can it?” Resist to the Imam's brother. It's clearly like engineering. That afternoon he came to the Governor's office upon invitation.

“According to the data from the company. All their permits have been passed and legal. All are in conformity.” Said Imam while showing some evidence of licensing.

He shook his head, “Walhi's side only suspects there is a game here,” while staring in disbelief at the various licensing documents of the company in front of his eyes. “They also include authentic proofs. So who's right here?” He looked at his brother Imam and his superior Mas Tarman in turn.

“Like the evidence written by one of the journalists in the national print media?” Guess Mas Tarman.

He nodded, “Percis ...”

“But we have to solve this case as soon as possible! Before more victims. This is also the Bima command ...” Mas Tarman stared at him, “aku percoyo ro your crew, Gas. Must handle iki case. Wes is up to the koen rep kepie carane (i trust you, Gas. I can handle this case. It's up to you how).”

“This PMDN (Internal Investment) Company generates investment value that is not small for the country. Many entrepreneurs and officials who participate in investing there. So ...”

Mas Tarman did not continue his words. But his superiors were very sure, he and the Imam knew what he meant.

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Note :

Talola’i u Boheli: brave man.

Bima: vice president.

Some Chapters will discuss the past of Demas and Bagas. Hopefully not too boring...🤗.

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